Save the date: dog swims 2012

It’s that time of year again. While us humans are most likely bemoaning the end of summer, there is one reason to welcome early September. It’s time for pools to close and hold their dog swims!

Saturday, Sept. 8 seems to be the big day. It’s good for those of you who want to find a dog swim near home, but bad for those of us who mark our calendars and try to hit all the area swims. Here’s a run down:

On Saturday, Sept. 8 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., the Old Town Pool at 1609 Cameron Street in Alexandria will hold a celebration of the end of the pool season for dogs and their owners. Dogs only can swim and play in the pool, courtesy of Your Dog’s Best Friends.

Rules: Bring your own doggie dish for water. Dog handlers must be 16 or older. All dogs should wear current vaccination tags or proof of vaccinations must be shown. For information call 703-746-5435.

Early barkers can head out to Leesburg for the dog swim at the AV Symington Aquatic Center in Ida Lee Park on Sept. 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The pool is at 80 Ida Lee Drive Leesburg, VA 20176. The event is hosted by Leesburg Dogs, Inc., and proceeds will be used towards the Leesburg Dog Park at Olde Izaak Walton Park.

Rules: Admission is $5.00 per dog; limit 2 dogs per family. Children under 8 will not be permitted, due to rambunctious pet play.

From 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., all five of the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority water parks are welcoming pups to paddle on Sept. 8. This is one of my particular favorites, especially if you have a dog who doesn’t like to jump in the water.

The Alexandria Great Waves park has a step-in wave pool with a “beach,” so dogs can easily get in and out, and you don’t get that crowd near the stairs like at regular pools. Plus, there’s a huge astro-turf covered area for them to run around on. It’s a less-stressful environment than some of the dog events.

Even if they don’t say it on their websites, most of these events require proof of vaccinations, so make sure you have your dog’s tags or a copy of the certificate. Bring cash and a check, some don’t take credit cards. Treats probably aren’t a good idea, since there will be a lot of dogs at these events. And most of all, bring towels to transport your wet, tired pup home!